'There is no place for anyone to wear a hijab on British television.'

A former Sun columnist has leapt to the defence of Kelvin MacKenzie, describing the hijab as a “stupid scarf” and saying Channel 4 only used a Muslim newsreader to front coverage of the Nice terror attack “to get controversy”.

She added that the “shock-jock” article may have increased the paper’s sales, but that more severe consequences would befall Muslims in Britain.

“I’m writing to you not because as a white man I hold you responsible for all the stupid actions of other white men, but because I urge you to exercise your role as an editor with responsibility,” Warsi wrote.

The Sun has maintained a ‘no comment’ stance on the piece and ensuing reaction.